what would be the minimum amount of hardware needed to follow these?

[khazal22]

im looking to get certified on the red marked certs, i have an interest in learning networking in general, so im not trying to rush it, or speed through, but i am looking to purchase equipment that would allow me to follow along and practice configuration, i prefer to work with physical equipment, and also want the hands on experience of mounting it in a rack, and terminating ethernets, switching patch cables etc. considering my anemic budget, what is the oldest equipment that could be used to not only follow the curriculum but also has somewhat recent updates and features? right now i can get a good deal on 2900 series integrated service routers, and 3560 switches, 7965g phones. but im not sure if those are necessary, or if cheaper could do, or if their not capable of what is needed.

[balaji.bandi]

For CCNA basic Lab that should work for you, if you looking to feel of physical device.

But now a days latest all the new devices moved to IOS XE code, you may not have 100% working on IOS code (but 80% of the commands are compatable)

Once you have some hands on then you can move to virtual environment for various new technilogy for testing

example : CML , PNETLAb/ GNS soo on

[M02@rt37]

Hello @khazal22 

For hands-on practice and learning networking concepts, your consideration of 2900 series routers and 3560 switches is a good start. These are older models, but they can still be valuable for learning purposes, especially if you're on a budget. 

The 2900 series routers are still relevant for basic routing and can support various features required for CCNA-level exams. They might not cover some of the latest features introduced in more recent router models, but for foundational routing and switching, they are suitable.

As concerned, the 3560 series switches are L3 switches that support basic routing features. They can be used to practice VLAN configurations, inter-VLAN routing, and basic layer 3 switching.

While having IP phones may add some realism to your lab, they are not crucial for CCNA preparation. You can prioritize routers and switches over IP phones if you're on a tight budget.

Considering a limited budget, it's also worth exploring alternatives such as Packet Tracer or GNS3, which are network simulation tools. They won't give you the physical hands-on experience, but they are excellent for learning and practicing configurations. Packet Tracer, in particular, is a Cisco-developed tool designed for CCNA-level labs.

Additionally, you might find good deals on used equipment online or from networking forums. Always check the specific exam objectives for the certifications you are pursuing to ensure your lab setup aligns with the topics covered.

The most important aspect of your study is understanding the concepts and configurations. If physical equipment is a limitation, virtual labs and simulations are excellent alternatives to gain valuable experience.